Strategic Cultural Hedging and The Louvre Abu Dhabi: UAE’s Soft Power and SDG 17

This study explored how the United Arab Emirates (UAE) uses Louvre Abu Dhabi (LAD) for strategic hedging, enhancing its soft power, and advancing Sustainable Development Goal 17 (SDG 17). Limited studies examined LAD’s political character; thus, the study presents information about LAD’s diplomatic role. Using quantitative methodology, the study analyzed official reports (2018-2025) using R. The study found a significant global engagement and a strong positive correlation (r = 0.990, p = 0.010, excluding the COVID-19 period) between the museum’s international visitor numbers and the UAE’s progress in the Global Soft Power Index (GSPI). The findings suggest evidence of strategic hedging due to the diversification of international visitors. Further, results indicated an alignment with SDG 17 as shown through educational partnerships and diplomatic engagement. The study concluded that LAD maintained diplomatic relations in balance.